after school program winter 2015 newsletter

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Issue I: After-School News March 2015

Inside

ETSS After-School Program 101

The After-School Program (ASP) helps students of all backgrounds achieve their educational goals, while providing cultural, wellness, and interpersonal development. A bit more about the ASP: • The first goal of the program is to ensure that students

are making academic progress. • Our program uniquely provides both cultural

enrichment and social skills development.

• Students have the opportunity to learn about their own culture, making them culturally aware citizens.

• Parent Advisory Committees (PAC) exist at each site

and meet regularly to discuss issues such as how to read report cards, internet safety, and community resources.

Keep reading for more!

Find out more about our After-School Program!

Student Achievements

Friends and Visitors

Zomi National Day

Student Creative Writing

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Thanks to Metro Parks, students at the Hilliard site had the opportunity to touch a toad!

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Funded by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by FCDJFS.

After-School News March 2015

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Story time with Kindergarteners, 1st, and 2nd graders

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The East Site is so lucky to have a wonderful relationship with the Reynoldsburg Metro Library. Michelle Garver, the world’s best librarian, came to our site in January and did a story time for our kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders. She had the kids singing, dancing, and listening to her every word. She read each book with such expression and excitement that the children were begging her to read the books over and over. She did what all great librarians do and that is make reading fun.

Ms. Garver also presented to our Parent Advisory Committee in January. She encouraged our parents to make reading a special family activity at home. She told our parents that reading in their native language is just as beneficial as reading in

Story Time & Parents Meeting with Reynoldsburg Library

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English and that giving children their oral histories can be a way to improve literacy at home. Ms. Garver also let us know about all of the free services available at the Reynoldsburg Library, including reading buddies, homework help and resume assistance. Ms. Garver will return to our site in February and again in April to do programs for our older students. Thank you, Reynoldsburg Library!

East


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We are so proud of all of our students at the East but we especially want to recognize our students that have achieved honor roll status at school and those who have received citizenship awards. We believe that being a future leader is more than just good grades but includes sportsmanship, generosity, and humility. We have started an honor roll board at our site and we are taking pictures and recognizing all the great accomplishments that our students achieve throughout the course of the academic year. We know this board will be completely full by the end of the school year!

Student Achievements

Question 1: When did you move to Ohio?

I moved to Ohio in October 2003.

Question #2: How did you learn about ETSS?

Amanuel Merdassa, the Director of Youth Programs, is a close family friend of mine. He told me about ETSS.

Question #3: Why do you think teaching students about their culture is important?

I think that students need to know their past in order to move to the future. It’s important for their self-esteem. I also believe it helps them respect and relate to people of other cultures.

Question #4: What is something about you that most of our students may not know?

Don’t tell the students this but I used to be a troublemaker when I was little.

Tutor Profile Lilu Terefe

Benefits of After-School Programs:

• High quality after-school programs can lead to improved attendance, behavior, and coursework

• Teens who do not participate in after-school programs are nearly three times more likely to skip classes than teens who do participate

Afterschool Alliance, 2014

Congratulations Katie and Halleta. Keep up the great work!


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Question 1: Tell us about yourself.

My name is Kidus Eshetu. I’m 11 years old and in the 6th grade.

Question 2: How many years have you participated in the ETSS ASP?

I think I started when I was in the 3rd grade. It has been for at least 3 years.

Question 3: What is your favorite subject in school?

I feel the most confident in English but I also really like gym class and last year I took a computer class that I liked.

Question 4: Tell us about your favorite moment in the ASP.

I was playing soccer in the fall and I scored a goal from midfield.

Student Profile Kidus Eshetu

Community Partner Presentations

“Educating is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire.” -William Butler Yeats One of the key components of our after-school program is to provide enriching experiences for our students that may spark an interest inside of them that they didn’t know was there. Perhaps we have a future naturalist or veterinarian or meteorologist in our group. We aim to move beyond math homework and writing assignments by bringing in groups from our community that take education to the next level. In January and February our site was bustling with visits from the Red Cross, COSI, the Capital Area Humane Society and Blacklick Metro Parks. The Red Cross talked to our students about disaster preparedness and the students learned about tsunamis, tornados and hurricanes. Scientists from COSI presented on Gross Science and a highlight for the students was getting to throw germs (stuffed animals) at one of our fun loving tutors, Mr. David. The students also got to make snot and learned about the defense mechanisms our body has to fight illness.

Our community partners provide rich, engaging programs! The picture to the left was taken during a COSI Gross Science lesson. Above was during a Metro Parks visit.


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(Continued)

The Capital Area Humane Society told our students about the services they provide and our students were filled with great questions about what to do if you see a stray animal, why animals end up in a shelter, why cats purr and so much more. The volunteers brought an extremely calm and sweet kitty and the students were thrilled to pet him. Several of our students even asked about opportunities to volunteer. A naturalist from Blacklick Metro Parks gave an interactive presentation on mammals we see in Central Ohio. The students got to pet and learn about bats, skunks and coyotes. We are looking forward to their second visit in April! A big thanks to our community partners for making learning so exciting!

Tutor Appreciation Dinner

On our last day of programming in December, the Parents Advisory Committee organized a fabulous party to celebrate Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for providing such a wonderful space for our program and for the volunteer tutors who are key to our success. The food was delicious, the kids had fun and it was wonderful to see the room filled with parents, students, staff and volunteers. Dr. Seleshi Asfaw, ETSS Director, spoke to the group and recognized all the efforts of the staff and volunteers. Other speakers included Pastor Marc Schroeder, who spoke on behalf of the volunteer tutors and Netsanet Woldemedhin, the President of the Parents Advisory Committee. The biggest moment of the evening came when we had the lucky privilege to raffle two bikes and scooter thanks to our amazing partner, The United Way! Congratulations to Rayhan Bichate and Adonay Estifanos for winning the bikes and to Elnatan Merdassa for winning the scooter! We are so happy for you! The night was a huge success!

Pictured above and below are the lucky winners of the raffle. Congratulations! Dr. Seleshi thanking the volunteers at

Prince of Peace Church


Bilingual Assistant, Mr. Bhim, teaching culture class

Visitors and Friends North II has been fortunate enough to

have had several visitors, each with an interesting and educational message! During the beginning of the first semester, the Red Cross of Central OH taught the students about disaster preparedness, educators from COSI have given lessons on science and taught the students how to build model roller coasters, and most recently, the Ohio State University Mount Leadership Society Scholars organized a day of science experiments and crafts. (Pictured to the right)

North II

North II

Friends and Visitors

A special thanks to OSU Mount Scholars for making this day extra special!

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Academics

In addition to completing their homework, the students participate in Common Core lessons, daily creative writing activities, and educational games and puzzles. Many of the students keep personal journals in the classroom in which they respond to a new prompt during each class. Each of the students’ practice worksheets, art projects, and journal entries are kept in their files on site in order to track their progress and keep record of their achievements.

Enrichment

During the first semester, North II spent their Fridays participating in culture lessons and learning about social skills and leadership. Students learned a lot about themselves and their peers during trust building activities and open discussion. Moving into the second semester, students continued their cultural studies, but departed from leadership topics to begin learning about nutrition and wellness. In February, students had fun exercising indoors: they taught each other a few Bollywood dance moves and how to play the Zomi game Chinlone. Soon, Children’s Hunger Alliance, a friend of ETSS, will begin visiting North II to teach students about healthful foods and proper nutrition.

To the left, Mr. Bhim leads class outdoors. Pictured below North I and North II play Chinlone

“67th Anniversary Zomi National Day After-School News March 2015

North I

After-School Program

HOMEWORK HELP, FOOD, CULTURAL

ENRICHMENT

LEARNING ABOUT NATIVE CULTURES

NUTRITION & WELLNESS

North I celebrated Zomi National Day on February 20th. The 20th of February marks the day the political power in Chinland was handed over to the Chin people – the day the Chin first enjoyed true freedom and democracy. They celebrated through singing, dancing, eating, telling jokes, and a fashion show (pictured above).

Zomi Cultural Celebration

Zomi students wearing traditional dresses in celebration of Zomi National Day

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North-east

ETSS After-School Program is designed to aid students to reach their maximum potential in their schooling. At the Northeast Site, tutoring takes place Tuesday through Thursday from 2:00-5:20pm. Tutors work one-on-one with pupils that are separated into 3 groups based on grade. The first group, Kindergarten-2nd grade, is led by tutor Ashwaq Noor. The second group, 3rd-5th grade, is led by Mouhcine Drissi. The third and final group, 6th-8th grade, is led by Nick Hawthorne. Tutors address and focus on each students’ educational needs.

Math and Language Arts are the primary focus of the ASP. Pre-tests in both subjects were administered to determine the students’ level. These two areas remain a focal point throughout the program. At the end of the year, post-tests are then administered to determine growth and progress.

A Glimpse into the Newest ASP Site

Parent Advisory Committee are a core part of the Program. Parents know their children more than anybody else, therefore having a group of parents give constructive feedback to the tutors helps the students thrive on every level. If any parent would like to join this committee, contact site coordinator Kafia Ahmed at [email protected].

Students, Asma and Hamdi displaying

their friendship

Drawn by Kindergartener Sundus, when asked what ETSS means to her

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Northeast

Enrichment days are focused on health and wellness. Eating healthy and regular exercise is a vital part of a child’s development. Every Thursday, tutors lead lessons on living healthy lifestyles. We’ve also had presentations lead by students about exercise and what they know about healthy foods. This allows students to put into action the lesson they have learned during enrichment classes.

Enrichment

Eat right and exercise!

“Hello, my name is Ashwaq Noor. I’m a tutor here at ETSS and I work with K-2nd graders. I enjoy helping students in every subject. These are the most critical years for the children and I hope to be a positive influence when it comes to their education. Working with ETSS has been great!”

Tutor, Nick Hawthorne, demonstrates a proper squat to

Kindergartener Omar

Staff Profiles

“My name is Mouhcine Drissi and I’m a tutor for ETSS at the Northeast site. I enjoy working here; the students are fun to work with. I help them with their schoolwork such as math, language arts, science, and social students. I do whatever it takes to help them. Patience, hard work, and attitude are very important to me.”

“Hello, my name is Nick Hawthorne. I’m a tutor for ETSS and I work mostly with 5th-8th graders. I enjoy helping the students with each subject, especially math. It has been great to watch them grow and see the light bulb go off in their heads as they begin to understand new things. I also enjoy seeing their growth in who they are and who they are becoming.”

“Hello, my name is Kafia Ahmed. As Site Coordinator, I enjoy watching the tutors do what they do best and encourage each student to do their greatest. It makes coming to work a blessing everyday!”

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Student Voice

Question: What’s your favorite part of the program?

“Thursday [cultural enrichment] are the best.”

Abdifatah, 2nd grade

“I like getting help on my homework.” Muscuud, 5th grade “I like everything about ETSS.” Ibrahima, 3rd grade “Doing homework is my favorite part of tutoring.” Zuheyb, 2nd grade “I love learning!” Ayub, 2nd grade

Student Creative Writing

Touchdown Wins the Championship! Last night was an amazing game for the Treca Timberwolves. It was Aj's Panthers vs Treca Timberwolves. It was played in the Timberwoles Arena, in Columbus, Ohio. Aj's Panthers team went all year without being defeated, while the Treca Timberwolves lost two games. Aj's Panthers were confident that they were going to win. The game began. It was the Panthers ball. Ridwan (QB) throws to his favorite wide receiver, Abdirahman Ahmed. He caught the ball and returned it 86 yards. TOUCHDOWN!!! Here it got serious. The Timberwolves could not lose in their home town, so, QB Abdullahi Ahmed throws the Hail Mary to his favorite wide receiver Abdullahi Jama, and gets intercepted by the one and only Abdirahman Abdirahman also known as (Two Times ‘2x’) and returned it 100 yards!!!!. The Timberwolves were devastated; they were down 14-0 by the end of the first half. The 2nd half begins! Aj's Panthers kicked it off. While they were running to return, the Treca Timberwolves ran it 15 yards. QB Abdullahi Ahmed throws it 50 yards to Mahad Mohamud. They are off to a great start! He hands it off to Ilyas Abdulqani, and returns it 35 yards. The score is now 14 – 7. The Timberwolves kicked it off to the Panthers. While returning the ball for 30 yards they fumble it!! The Timberwolves recover it. QB Abdullahi Ahmed gives it to Ilyas to run. He returns it for 30 yards!!! They go for two point conversion he throws to Mahad and he catches it!!! He wins the game. The score at the end of the game is 14-15.

A reporter named Ibrahima Bah, 3rd grade, interviewed the coach of Treca Timberwolves David Wade and running back for the Treca Timberwolves Mahad Mohamud. Ibrahima: How do you feel about the game last night? David: I really feel amazing about the victory. Words cannot describe it. Ibrahima: How did you feel about the game winning catch last night? Mahad: I felt almost as if it was impossible. But with confidence, anything is possible. There you have it, folks. This is Sports Corner. By: Abdirahman J., Ridwan M., and Mahad M.

From left to right: Abdirahman J.,

Ridwan M., and Mahah M. working on their newsletter story

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Hilliard

What We’ve Been Up To! Though the winter has been long and cold, we’ve stayed warm and active at the Hilliard site! Some students have departed, while we’ve also met some fresh faces. Over the past few months, in addition to preparing our students for their reading and math post-tests, we’ve been teaching them about culture, leadership, and staying healthy.

Cultural Enrichment

Fridays are devoted to Enrichment activities, predominantly culture class. Our site has students from numerous countries, so we have determined classes by cultural background and understanding to best accommodate our representatives from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Mexico, Palestine, and Somalia. The students are learning their native language and culture. The Iraqi students drew and colored their home nation’s flag, then located it on a map. Students have also learned about their countries’ histories and myths. Latino students read a Mexican fairy tale then wrote their own to share with the class.

Leadership

We recently began incorporating leadership activities into our Friday Enrichment. We aim to show that leadership is not being loud or in charge, but rather that everyone can lead in her or his own way. Students discussed what leadership is and how they can be everyday leaders simply by using their individual strengths. They identified leaders in their own lives (parents, teachers, siblings), then made acrostic poems with their names to identify their own leadership qualities. They also learned about diversity and how everyone has a different background and story, which, when put together, makes us a beautiful, functional, thriving community.

A group shot of the Hilliard ASP

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“67th Anniversary Zomi National Day


In February we spent a week at the next-door Columbus Metropolitan Library branch. The library staff took the students on a tour, during which they were shown the library’s numerous services, such as the Homework Help Center and the Teen Zone. They also received their very own library cards and learned how to check out books. Led by tutor, Ms. Chelsea Conway, students experienced a day of stretching and small exercise games, as well as an overview of nutrition and wellness. For older students who were already familiar with the library, we arranged a scavenger hunt, letting them use their investigatory skills and resourcefulness to peruse the library and locate different genres of books.

Library Visits

A special thanks to the Hilliard Metro Library for their support to our ASP!

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“67th Anniversary Zomi National Day


West

Oh, How the Time Flies!

The first semester of the ASP was filled with rich educational and extracurricular activities. With the help of community partners like COSI, Metro Parks, and Girls Scouts the West was bustling with activity.

Girls Scouts educator, Peggy, working with the girls on an anti-bullying project

Above to the right: Ahmed, a student, touches a black rat snake. Thanks for this opportunity Metro Parks!

Above to the left: Mr. COSI teaches the students about different types of energy.

To the left, tutor, Miss Nanci meets with the Parent Advisory Committee to discuss current issues and address concerns from the parents.

after school program winter 2015 newsletter

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